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Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in ...

Buying property in Portugal can be an exciting investment, but it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and awareness of the local market. From legal requirements to hidden costs, here are five key things to consider before buying property in Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to guide you through what to know so you can make an informed decision!

9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
Expat vs. Migrant: What’s the Difference and ...

As someone who works closely with individuals moving to new countries, I often hear the terms expat and migrant used interchangeably. But are they really the same? Words matter, and choosing the right one can shape how we understand and discuss the experience of moving across borders. Let’s explore the distinctions between these terms, why I choose to use “expat,” and what it really means to live in a country that’s not your own.

Expat vs. Migrant: What’s the Difference and Which Term Should You Use?
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things You Should Never Say to a Portuguese ...

Portugal is a welcoming and friendly country, but like anywhere, there are cultural sensitivities that it’s good to be aware of! Certain topics and phrases can be touchy, and it’s best to approach them with caution. Here are 9 things you should avoid saying to a Portuguese person if you want to keep the conversation friendly and respectful. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate Portuguese culture with ease!

9 Things You Should Never Say to a Portuguese Person
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After ...

Moving to Portugal is an incredible adventure, filled with new experiences, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed lifestyle. But even with all the perks, there are certain things expats often find themselves missing from home. From familiar foods to cultural traditions, here are 9 things expats commonly miss most after moving to Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the highs and lows of expat life!

9 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After Moving to Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern ...

Thinking about making Porto your new home? With its stunning river views, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Porto has a lot to offer. But don’t let the postcard images fool you—living in Porto has its own quirks, surprises, and challenges that newcomers should know. Before you pack your bags and head to this beautiful city, here are 9 things you absolutely need to know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on life in Porto!

9 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern Portugal

News

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Portuguese tax authorities decide to reimburse four years of IUC tax for certain imported cars

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Portuguese tax authorities decide to reimburse four years of IUC tax for certain imported cars

Portuguese tax authorities have decided to review the way they have calculated the single circulation tax (IUC) levied on used cars imported from the European Union so far, without taking into account that they already had first registration in another country. Basically, when the car arrived in Portugal, it was treated as if it were registered for the first time, regardless of its actual age for tax purposes. However, the Portuguese tax authorities now recognize that this method of calculation was illegal and, moreover, that the owners of vehicles in these cases have the right to recover the tax collected in excess during the last four years, provided that the law authorizes the revision of a tax law.

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Portuguese tax authorities control 264 “fake” non-habitual residents with huge tax adjustments

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Portuguese tax authorities control 264 “fake” non-habitual residents with huge tax adjustments

Some beneficiaries of the NHR status might be anxious ! Indeed, the Portuguese tax administration carried out 264 inspections of beneficiaries of the regime of non-habitual residents (NHR), which led to tax adjustments and, consequently, an increase in the tax payable. Some beneficiaries played with fire by not fulfilling their part of the contract. In order to be able to continue to benefit from NHR status, you must reside in Portugal for at least 183 days (6 months) per year. Persons who have been unable to prove their residence in Portugal for at least 6 months have been notified of tax adjustments. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this wave of checks for beneficiaries of NHR status.

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Up to 70% more tax for Alojamento Local owners : ALEP is raising the alarm

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Up to 70% more tax for Alojamento Local owners : ALEP is raising the alarm

It could be the cold shower for owners of touristic and seasonal rental property in Portugal. Indeed the ALEP, the association of Alojamento Local in Portugal (seasonal and tourist rental) warned this Thursday that the increase in the tax for housing included in a containment zone represents a tax increase of at least 43% and up to 70% in some cases. Although nothing is yet final, the Portuguese State Budget for 2020 suggests a sharp increase in taxes for owners of Alojamento Local registered property in containment areas. This increase, deemed excessive by professionals in the sector, jeopardizes several hundred jobs and calls into question the profitability of Airbn’b type seasonal and tourist rentals. What are the details of this tax change for the Alojamento local ? What are the expected consequences ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this tax increase for owners of vacation rental homes.

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Portugal ignores Brussels ultimatum by not changing ISV tax on imported cars and even chooses to raise it

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Portugal ignores Brussels ultimatum by not changing ISV tax on imported cars and even chooses to raise it

It seems that Portugal is looking for a confrontation with Brussels over the ISV tax. Indeed, while the European Commission has imposed an ultimatum on Portugal to modify the calculation of the ISV tax, Lisbon has decided to turn a deaf ear to threats and will keep the ISV tax as it is. Worse, the Portuguese State Budget indicates an aggravation of the tax for the year 2020. Neither the defeats of the Portuguese taxman in the courts nor the threat of Brussels have changed the opinion of the economy ministry of Mário Centeno. What are the consequences of this Lisbon decision? How will Brussels react? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this increasingly open conflict between Lisbon and Brussels.

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Red alert for 5 regions in Portugal : rain, thunderstorm, flood and 130 km/h winds expected this Thursday

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Red alert for 5 regions in Portugal : rain, thunderstorm, flood and 130 km/h winds expected this Thursday

The weather is getting worse in Portugal and we'll have to be careful! Indeed, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) issued a red alert, the most serious, for 5 regions of Portugal because of the forecast of heavy persistent rains and the risk of flood expected this Thursday. Thunderstorms will also be present, and IPMA says winds will reach 130 km / h in the Minho region. The bad will persist until Saturday and almost the entire country will be under orange alert until then. Which regions are placed on red alert? What precautions should be taken ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant to Portugal, tells you all about this red alert.

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Storm "Elsa": Orange alert for five districts in Portugal because of who brings rain, wind and thunder

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Storm "Elsa": Orange alert for five districts in Portugal because of who brings rain, wind and thunder

Bad weather continues in Portugal, with the arrival of the storm "Elsa". Five districts of mainland Portugal are indeed on orange alert this Wednesday because of the forecast of heavy persistent rains which could be accompanied by thunderstorms, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). The regions of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real and Aveiro will be under orange alert between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 0 a.m. Thursday. The rain also led the IPMA to issue a yellow warning for the districts of Viseu, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Coimbra and Leiria until 3 am Thursday. Strong winds will also be there. What is the weather forecast for Portugal for the next few days? Which regions are affected by the yellow and orange alerts? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant to Portugal, tells you all about the warning issued by the IPMA.

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New 2020 IRS tax rates and brackets in Portugal

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New 2020 IRS tax rates and brackets in Portugal

The Portuguese government wants to change the income tax levels for next year, according to the preliminary version of the 2020 state budget, the final version of which will be delivered to the Portuguese parliament on Monday. The IRS tax rates do not change, but the brackets are updated taking into account inflation at 0.3%. Last year the rates had not changed, unlike 2018 which saw the emergence of new income tax levels. This proposal from the Portuguese government has yet to be definitively approved in the framework of the 2020 State Budget. What are the changes in the income tax levels in Portugal? What are the new Portuguese IRS tax rates? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant to Portugal, tells you all about the new income tax rates.

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Rain, snow and strong winds in Portugal : severe weather warning for the next 48 hours

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Rain, snow and strong winds in Portugal : severe weather warning for the next 48 hours

The Portuguese Civil Protection warned this Sunday of a worsening of the weather in the next 48 hours, with episodes of rain, the possibility of snowfall and strong winds. In the northern and central regions, rain or showers are expected, which continue on Monday with sometimes heavy showers on the continent and even thunderstorms. According to the weather forecast, snow could be expected above 1400/1600 meters in late Sunday afternoon. The strong wind will also be there. What are the weather forecasts for the next few days in Portugal? Which regions are affected by the weather warning issued by the Portuguese Civil Protection? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about the weather for the next 48 hours.

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End of NHR status on January 1st, 2020 for foreign retirees : Portuguese government admits having to take a decision quickly

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End of NHR status on January 1st, 2020 for foreign retirees : Portuguese government admits having to take a decision quickly

NHR (non-habitual resident) status may be spending its last days, at least in its current version. This tax status allows foreign retirees to be granted full exemption from taxation on private sector pension income. This sometimes leads to situations of double non-taxation, with pensioners not being taxed either in Portugal or by their country of origin, drawing some criticism. The Portuguese government, as part of the 2020 State Budget, has admitted studying the possibility of terminating the NHR status on January 1, 2020 and applying an IRS tax to foreign retirees who enjoy the status of non-habitual resident of 15% to 20%. The subject is even on the table of the Portuguese Council of Ministers and a final decision should arrive soon. What is the detail of this upcoming change to the NHR status? Is there really a chance that this proposal will pass for January 1, 2020? What impact for current beneficiaries of NHR status? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the end of NHR status.

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Yellow weather alert for 12 regions of Portugal for wind, rain and snow

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Yellow weather alert for 12 regions of Portugal for wind, rain and snow

The weather is getting worse in Portugal and one will have to be careful in the coming days. Indeed, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), 12 districts of mainland Portugal will be on yellow alert this Wednesday because of the difficult weather conditions that will run until Saturday. Rain, wind and snow prompt the IPMA to set up the yellow alert level. What are the weather forecasts for the next few days in Portugal? Which regions are affected by this orange alert? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this yellow alert issued by IPMA.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in December 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in December 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of December 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of December 2019. Let’s go !

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Greta Thunberg will arrive in Lisbon this Tuesday morning at Doca de Alcantara before going to Madrid for COP 25

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Greta Thunberg will arrive in Lisbon this Tuesday morning at Doca de Alcantara before going to Madrid for COP 25

The 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg announced on Twitter that she will arrive in Lisbon on Tuesday on the yacht she crossed the Atlantic to the COP 25 in Madrid. Green activist Greta Thunberg said she was due to dock at Doca d'Alcantara on Tuesday morning, at the end of the pontoon on the Tagus River, next to the Alcantara Ferry Terminal, before heading to the Spanish capital to attend. Climate Change Summit, COP25. Lisbon, chosen as the green capital of Europe 2020, also benefits from the arrival of the young activist with an advertisement at little cost. What is the detail of Greta Thunberg's stop in Portugal ? What are the planned actions ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about Greta Thunberg's move to Portugal.

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Portugal voted "world’s best tourist destination" for the 3rd year in a row, Lisbon best "City Break"

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Portugal voted "world’s best tourist destination" for the 3rd year in a row, Lisbon best "City Break"

Portugal has been elected as the "best tourist destination in the world" at the World Travel Awards, considered the Oscars of tourism. This is the third year in a row that Portugal has won this award, confirming the dynamism and quality of Portuguese tourism. The World Travel Awards ceremony was held in Muscat, Oman. This is the third year in a row that Portugal has won the most coveted award and is therefore "tricampeaõ" of the world. Other infrastructures and places of Portuguese tourism have been recognized, notably Lisbon and Madeira. TAP also won three awards. What are the prices of tourism won by Portugal? How were these prizes celebrated? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about Portugal's third consecutive victory at the World Travel Awards.

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European Commission issues an ultimatum and orders Portugal to modify ISV tax on imported vehicles

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European Commission issues an ultimatum and orders Portugal to modify ISV tax on imported vehicles

Brussels decided to step up against Portugal in the conflict between them over the ISV tax on foreign vehicles imported into Portugal. Indeed, Brussels has notified Lisbon that it must amend its rules on the taxation of second-hand vehicles imported from other Member States of the European Union. Even more threatening, the European Commission has issued an ultimatum of one month in Portugal and force it to change its rules, or having to go to the European Court of Justice. This procedure against Lisbon started in 2016 because Brussels considers that imported vehicles are discriminated against vehicles sold on Portuguese territory. Is this the end of the ISV tax for imported vehicles ? What is the detail of the communication from the European Commission ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this ultimatum launched by Brussels on the ISV tax.

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Risk of poverty decreased but 17% of Portuguese lives with less than 501 net euros per month

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Risk of poverty decreased but 17% of Portuguese lives with less than 501 net euros per month

As each end of the year, the different Portuguese statistical institutes unveil their final analyzes of the previous year. INE, the Portuguese National Statistics Institute, has released its report on the Living and Income Survey in Portugal for the year 2018. The risk of poverty has decreased by a tenth last year, affecting 17.2% of the population. Despite the decline, the most little in four years, about 2.2 million people are at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Portugal. Also, the study reveals that nearly one in five Portuguese earns less than 501 euros. What are the figures of the INE survey on the Portuguese population? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the figures of poverty in the Portuguese population.

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Portuguese tax authorities realize of an error in 10,000 tax returns in 2015 and require a payment of 3.5 million euros.

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Portuguese tax authorities realize of an error in 10,000 tax returns in 2015 and require a payment of 3.5 million euros.

With almost 5 years of delay, the Portuguese tax and customs authorities (TA) identified an error in the processing of tax returns for 2015, which led to a recalculation of income tax of around 10,000 returns for one 3.5 million euros. The persons concerned are the taxpayers who started a commercial or professional activity in 2014, who were taxed in 2015 according to the simplified scheme and who, in 2015, also earned income category B, according to the information published in the portal. Finanças. This is bad news just before the holiday season for about 10,000 taxpayers who will have to repay an average amount of 350 euros. What is the reason for this error from the Portuguese tax authorities ? Are you affected by this refund request ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this (new) error of the Portuguese tax authorities and the consequences for the taxpayers concerned.

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Shutdown of Lisbon airport for five months from January and end of the Lille - Lisbon flight

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Shutdown of Lisbon airport for five months from January and end of the Lille - Lisbon flight

From January 2020 until at least June, Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport will be limited due to the expansion that will result in its partial closure. As part of the development of the airport of the Portuguese capital and pending the new airport of Montijo, work will be undertaken to expand and improve. The closure will be complete during the night and will increase the available space. In total the works represent an investment of one billion euros, and some lines will simply disappear. What are the consequences of this closure? How long will the work last? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the shutdown of Lisbon airport.

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Lisbon among the cities with the most chaotic traffic and the most expensive gasoline in the world

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Lisbon among the cities with the most chaotic traffic and the most expensive gasoline in the world

It is not good to have a car in the Portuguese capital! Indeed, a study by Mister Auto - the leading brand in the sale of auto parts - has just been published, and it reveals that Lisbon is ranked 74th in the ranking of cities in terms of traffic. This is well beyond the second half of the table, with an average of 0.44 cars per capita. Yet Lisbon is not a capital city with a high population density, but it is one of the cities that has the highest rate of commuting, cars coming in and going out every day. Also, the Lisbon fuel is one of the most expensive in the world However the Portuguese capital is surprisingly not so bad in terms of road safety. What are the traffic figures for the Portuguese capital? How does Lisbon compare to other major world cities? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the traffic figures of the Portuguese capital, one of the most chaotic in the world.

Portugal continues to lose inhabitants and sees its population grow aging more and more

Portugal continues to lose inhabitants and sees its population grow aging more and more

INE, the National Institute of Estatistica, has just released the final figures of the population of Portugal for the year 2018. The demographic statistics of Portugal for 2018 confirm the downward trend since the economic crisis, with some changes . The negative natural balance is the largest in recent years, reflecting the rapid and deep aging of the Portuguese population, and skilled emigration has further increased, accelerating the brain drain. The statistics published this Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) reveal that the population of Portugal decreased again last year with a decrease of 14,410 inhabitants to reach a total of 10,276,617 people. Other trends recorded in previous years remain: 43,170 permanent residents entered Portugal, representing an increase of 17.8% compared to 2017. Also, 28,856 foreigners acquired Portuguese nationality, or 23.7% more than the year before. What are the statistics in detail of Portuguese demography? What are the numbers of immigration and emigration? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the latest figures in Portuguese demography.

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635 euros gross : Portugal proposes an increase of the national minimum wage in 2020

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635 euros gross : Portugal proposes an increase of the national minimum wage in 2020

Portuguese government has proposed Wednesday, November 13 that the minimum wage is set at 635 euros from 1 January 2020, according to the proposal presented Wednesday at the meeting of social dialogue and sent to the media. In this document, the government proposes that "the value of the monthly minimum guaranteed remuneration be set at 635 euros gross starting from 1 January 2020" and suggests that "the impact of updating the minimum wage" should be regularly monitored. to be in agreement. with the social partners. "This increase has yet to be validated and accepted by the social partners, employers as a trade union, association of bosses has already expressed reservations about this increase in the minimum wage.